Perhaps one benefit of the credit crunch might be that this Christmas will be somewhat less frenzied and manic than those that have passed over recent years. Having said that Christmas will happen this year and the hype associated with it can get to the best of us. Buying presents, budgeting finance, socialising and entertaining – all at the same time – can end up causing more stress than fun!
If you feel yourself becoming frazzled around the edges at the hassle of preparing for Christmas try taking some Avena Sativa. Avena sativa, an extract of oats, is a tonic for the nervous system and can be useful for times of tension, and anxiety in our lives.
It's effect can be virtually immediate and taken over a few days it may help calm and restore an over wrought mind. It also helps us to focus and concentrate and to get the job done-useful if you have yet to start shopping! Avena sativa is free from side effects and can be taken by all age groups.
If your stress is deeper rooted than just the hassle of Christmas then you may want to try the adaptogenic herb Rhodiola. Rhodiola has a dual effect on the body. It exerts an effect on the adrenal glands helping to balance up physical stress in the body while at the same time exerting an effect on the hypothalamus in the brain helping us to cope better with mental stress.
Rhodiola is best described as an herb for modern day living – it provides energy and stamina while at the same time relieving a tired and perhaps depressed mind.
Rhodiola should not be taken alongside prescription antidepressants or tranquillisers or alongside hormone medication such as steroids, hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives.
BEAT THE BLOAT
Many of us eat too much over Christmas -it's all part of the indulgence of Christmas! As a result we may end up suffering with one or more of the many varied symptoms associated with a digestive system under pressure - uncomfortably full, bloated, full of wind, acid burning, constipation and diarrhoea. The good news is -Christmas does not have to feel like this! Prepare your intestine for the Christmas onslaught by taking a stomach bitter before meals.
Bitters such as Centurium, Dandelion or Yarrow are thought to stimulate digestive function by increasing the production of saliva in the mouth and promoting both stomach acid and digestive enzyme production. This triple effect boosts digestion dramatically and may enable us to enjoy the richer and higher fat foods of Christmas without the unwanted side effects.
If you have a digestive system that suffers more from acid than wind try the stomach bitter Centurium. If you suffer more with wind, bloatedness and constipation you may find using Yarrow more effective.
MILK THISTLE FOR HANGOVERS
Most people, who drink, consume more alcohol over Christmas than at any other time of the year. Even those who do not generally bother much with alcohol often find themselves indulging in a few extra units over the Christmas holiday period. Needless to say alcohol can take its toll – especially on the system of someone not used to consuming it.
Silymarin is the active constituent of the herb known as Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle is one of the most extensively studied herbs in use today, with over 300 scientific studies on its chemistry and application.
Milk Thistle, (also known as Wild Artichoke), has been shown to be a useful liver protecting herb that may help the body deal with alcohol more easily.
Milk Thistle is a potent antioxidant, which protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage of the liver cells. Moreover it regenerates the liver by stimulating the production of new liver cells.
Milk Thistle also stimulates the gall bladder. The gall bladder releases bile into the small intestine, which helps to emulsify and break down the fat in our food.
Unfortunately few of us manage to avoid the 'higher in fat' temptations of Christmas – mince pies, pudding, Christmas cake, fresh cream, brandy butter and chocolates to name but a few. Milk Thistle may help you and your intestine to tolerate and deal with these higher fat foods more easily.
Milk Thistle is virtually devoid of side effects and may be used by both pregnant and breast feeding women. Since Milk Thistle does stimulate both liver and gall bladder activity it may have a mild laxative effect in some people.
This will usually only last for 2-3 days. People on drug medication, which requires careful blood level monitoring, are best to avoid milk thistle. This includes warfarin and anticoagulant medication, epilepsy and anticonvulsive medication.
CHRISTMAS SADNESS
If you are sad this Christmas, feeling that the cheer you once freely enjoyed at this time of year is no longer yours, then you might want to take the herb Holy Basil, Holy Basil is a mood elevating herb that can help lift the spiritually bereft mind.
It can be profoundly useful for those recently bereaved and missing a loved one this Christmas or for those recently separated or for those away from home and lonely this Christmas. Holy basil should not be taken alongside prescription antidepressants and tranquillisers.
FRANKINCENSE-A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT
The Bible tells us that frankincense was one of the gifts brought by the three kings to the stable in Bethlehem. It has since played a significant role in religious and church life. For centuries it has been an important ingredient in incense mixtures burned in Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches.
Today it is a major ingredient in Jewish ceremonial incense. Burning frankincense has a great space cleansing effect and it induces on the mind a sense of deep calm-a state inducive to prayer and meditation. Burning frankincense oil in your home will have a similar effect and it 's beautiful fragrance will help create a very welcoming and calming atmosphere for all your Christmas visitors.
